Spectral tuning technology is being applied commercially to make certain colors stand out and trigger preferences (for example, the red sweetness of strawberries, or blueish freshness of fish). Making two different materials look the same, or maximally different, forms a novel scientific and technological tuning challenge.

Using spectrophotometry, mathematical modeling, and spectrally tunable LEDs from LEDMOTIVE, Scientifics from the Science Center of TUDelft restored a valuable piece of the prehistory of a triceratops dinosaur that died roughly 66 million years ago.

The custom LED spots produced made the bone-print differences invisible – while salient under white light! As part of a story, the remains of a prehistorical piece meet a 21st-century marvel. While dimming and color temperature adjustments are common in lighting design, this technology demonstrates a whole new world of possibilities.

This scientific high-tech process is highly innovative in the field of paleontology. The ‘Skull21’ museum exposition is different from other historical museums mainly due to the reconstructed parts were not retouched, showing what are real bones and what are 3D printed parts, and the science and technology behind them.

https://darcawards.com/portfolio/skull-21-netherlands/

https://www.tudelft.nl/2021/io/april/triceratops-skull-lighting-design-leads-to-darc-nomination